Hypodermic Needle Containment System

Abstract

Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material having a rim defining an open end configured to receive a sharp portion therein, an interior surface, wherein at least a portion of the interior surface comprises a puncturing element, and a bladder contained within the cap proximate the puncturing element, the bladder containing a first component of a liquid hardenable solution. Opposing sides of the cap can be deformed under external pressure to cause the puncturing element to puncture the bladder so as to release the first component of the liquid hardenable solution from the bladder such that the first component contacts the sharp portion and the sharp portion is substantially permanently retained inside the cap by the liquid hardenable solution.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to containment systems for hypodermic needles and other sharp medical instruments, and more particularly to containment systems permanently encapsulating and containing hypodermic needles to prevent reuse and accidental needle sticks.[0003]2. Background and Related Art[0004]The handling and disposal of used medical instruments, particularly sharp medical instruments such as hypodermic needles, suture needles, lancets, trocars, scalpel blades and the like is a major problem facing healthcare professionals. Blood-born pathogens can be easily transmitted by inadvertent contact with the used medical instrument such as by accidental needle sticks.[0005]In order to avoid such accidental needle sticks, especially immediately after using the needle, the healthcare professional will attempt to cover the needle with a protective cap or sheath so that the instrument can be safely transported for dispo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a way to safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp medical instrument. This is done by inserting the instrument into a container with a puncturable bladder containing a liquid hardenable solution. The container is then sealed by deforming it under pressure to puncture the bladder and release the first component of the solution. This solution then contacts the sharp portion of the instrument and permanently keeps it inside the container.

Problems solved by technology

The handling and disposal of used medical instruments, particularly sharp medical instruments such as hypodermic needles, suture needles, lancets, trocars, scalpel blades and the like is a major problem facing healthcare professionals.

However, this still requires the healthcare professional to handle and transport the unprotected needle after use.

The used medical instrument, such as a needle, is inserted into the container, rupturing the glass membrane between the two components, thereby causing the components to come together and harden around the needle.

First, it can be difficult and hence expensive to properly manufacture such systems, as the small scale of such systems necessitates care and precision in manufacturing.

If any manufacturing deficiencies allow the two-part hardenable compound to mix before the intended time, the attempt to insert the needle into the encapsulation system may fail, and an additional system will be needed.

The use of multiple caps or covers results in extra waste, extra costs, extra time spent seeking to ensure that the correct cap or cover is used, etc.

Finally, such systems may be prone to inadequate mixing of the two-part hardenable compound, such that permanent encapsulation of the needle is not achieved.

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